Over 64,000 people are living illegally in Australia including one immigrant who has avoided authorities for 40 YEARS - but which nationality are the worst offenders?

  • Figures have found more than 64,000 residents living illegally in Australia  
  • Two thirds of those people overstayed in the country for more than two years
  • It is understood at least one person has dodged officials for roughly 40 years
  • Malaysians were to be the worst offenders with 9,440 citizens here illegally 
  • Just under one third of the people living illegally are believed to be working

By Fiona Connor For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Immigration Department figures have identified more than 64,000 'unlawful non-citizens' who are living illegally in Australia.

Statistics show that at least two thirds of those people overstayed in the country for more than two years after legally entering Australia. 

It is understood there is at least one person, who is quite possibly deceased by now, who has dodged immigration officials for roughly 40 years, the Courier Mail reports.

Figures have found more than 64,000 residents living illegally in Australia with two thirds of those people having overstayed in the country for more than two years

Figures have found more than 64,000 residents living illegally in Australia with two thirds of those people having overstayed in the country for more than two years

Numbers reveal Malaysians as the worst offenders with 9,440 citizens of the southeast Asian nation here on expired visas as at June 30.

China showed to have the second highest statistic with 6,500 overstayers which was followed by the US and UK citizens.

The list also included Indonesia, India, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand who had between 2200 and 2800 people overstaying in Australia.

Germany, France, Japan and Fiji citizens were also singled out.  

Just under one third of the people living illegally are believed to be working.

Figures have found more than 64,000 residents living illegally in Australia 

Figures have found more than 64,000 residents living illegally in Australia 

The number of unauthorised residents in Australia has increased by six per cent, compared to five years ago. 

Approximately 70 per cent of the illegal residents are in the country on expired visitor visas with 15 per cent on student visas. 

Working holiday visas make up about three per cent of the figure. 

An Immigration and Border Protection spokesman said they were to use 'targeted field compliance' to track those who breach their welcome. 

A spokesman for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the number outlined was 'less than one per cent of the 6.5 million temporary entrants to Australia each year' with some immigrants only overstaying their visa allocation by a few days.  

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